With so many attractions near London, it can take time to decide which to go to! That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top 7 family-friendly attractions you can drive to with your Dollar car rental in the UK. Whether you have young kids who adore animated cartoon friends and farm animals, older kids who are fascinated by military history, or you all love exploring wildlife, woodlands, steam trains, and carnival rides together, you’re sure to find an attraction you and your whole family will love on our list.
1. The British Wildlife Centre
Have you ever seen a red squirrel? With plenty of parking, the British Wildlife Centre is the perfect place to kick off your journey with your car hire in London. Out in the wild, the British Wildlife Centre is a fantastic place for a car journey. After all, you need a car near East Grinstead to reach the British Wildlife Centre.
But it’s not just about squirrels and trees – the British Wildlife Centre offers a variety of engaging wild activities. Throughout the day, you and your family can attend talks on foxes, owls, red deer, and even Scottish wildcats and otters! Open during weekends, bank holidays, and state school holidays, you can pre-book your visit until 9 am on the same day.
2. Epping-Ongar Railway
Because…who doesn’t love trains? Though the parking is a little more sparse at this ex-tube network railway, with parking available at stations along the route, the range of child-friendly and grown-up-friendly activities available more than makes up for this.
Young “squirrels” will love the Hey Duggee visit on the 30th of June, while Paw Patrol will be bounding into Epping-Ongar on the double on the 4th of August. You can jump in muddy puddles with Peppa Pig and George, too, on the 26th of August. And later on in the year, there’s the Autumn Diesel Gala, Fright Week, and the Santa Specials.
For those a little older, an Evening Real Ale Train will be steaming around on the 15th of June and the 21st of September, as well as a Real Ale and Cider Festival on the 26-27th of July.
3. Godstone Farm
Easily reached from Sussex, Surrey and Kent, Godstone Farm has something for everyone. If you decide to visit this place, you can check out all sorts of animals on the Farm Trail, Reptile House, and during Animal Interactions. You can also get some of that energy out after the drive to the Wiglets Play Village, outdoor play areas, and the Play Barn. When you get peckish, the Play Barn serves food and drink along with the Courtyard Kitchen and Topshop. If having your car hire in London for your day trip wasn’t enough, how about you pack a tent in the boot for a Big Farm Sleepover?
The Godstone Farm is just off J6 of the M25, so it’s handy enough by car.
4. Hollycombe Steam
While we are sure you’ve been to the odd merry-go-round or fair, we bet you’ve never seen one like this! Hollycombe Steam in the Country is a large permanent fairground with a difference – all their rides are authentic, vintage steam-powered!
If the Steam Swingboats and Steam Chair-o-Planes don’t interest you, why don’t you try the Golden Gallopers roundabout, a merry-go-round built back in 1912? Or, if you’d rather relax, why not catch an early cinema Bioscope show?
Just under an hour from south London, Hollycombe Steam is the perfect destination for a leisurely day out with your car hire in London.
5. Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker
The secret is out! Built during the Cold War, the Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker could have housed 600 people in a nuclear attack. After an audio tour of the sprawling underground installation, you can take part in the “dangerously fun” nuclear high ropes, rifle and pistol shooting with CO2-powered guns or participate in a nuclear race.
You can access the Secret Nuclear Bunker with your car rental in the UK, going via the A128 – keep driving until you see brown signs. You can use the postcode CM15 0LA on your GPS.
Another thing you need to know is that, being underground, there is little wi-fi or data signal for paying. So, this is one attraction where you’ll need cash (though we’ll need your card when you pick up your car).
6. River Lee Country Park
If you’ve lived in London for a while, you’re probably already familiar with the River Lee, running through the Olympic Park. The River Lee Country Park has something for all ages, with the Royal Gunpowder Mills showcasing the area’s history and the Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park offering soft play, farm animals and toddler day-out events. And, of course, you can simply wander in the park, too.
Located at the Hertfordshire-Essex border, just north of Waltham Abbey, the park has numerous parking sites.
7. Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre
We can’t not mention this whizzpopping destination! Formerly a coaching inn, the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre celebrates the author and screenwriter’s life and work in his home of Great Missenden.
Great Missenden is just off the A413, with a pay-and-display car park less than a five-minute walk away. The museum recommends that you use the Highways Agency to plan your journey.
So, these are our top 7 family-friendly attractions. A car hire in London with Dollar Car Rental offers a comfortable and convenient way to explore the attractions in and around London. Whether you get out and explore nature, take in history, or see some adorable farm animals, whatever you choose to do, doing it with Dollar Car Rental is a great way to enjoy your family day.
